The recent Netflix release, “Adolescence,” has been garnering widespread acclaim, with all four episodes shot in a single take. The British crime drama series has won over even the likes of Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who has worked with Netflix on the acclaimed series “Sacred Games.” However, Kashyap took this opportunity to lash out at the executives at Netflix India, labeling them as “hypocrites,” “dishonest,” and “morally corrupt,” stating that they lack the courage to back projects like “Adolescence.”
Kashyap expressed his awe and envy towards the creators and actors of “Adolescence” in a post on Instagram, praising their daring approach to storytelling. He commended the meticulous attention to detail in the series, calling it superior to anything he has seen before. The filmmaker went on to criticize Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who had earlier praised “Adolescence” on social media, stating that the series pushes boundaries and redefines careers. Kashyap argued that Sarandos’ words ring hollow, given the lack of support for innovative storytelling in India.
Kashyap claimed that if “Adolescence” were pitched to Netflix India, the team would have likely rejected it or attempted to turn it into a 90-minute film, which he believes would have been impossible due to the show’s complex narrative. He shared his personal experience of working with the streaming platform, revealing that he has had two disappointing encounters with them since “Sacred Games.” Kashyap expressed frustration with the team’s insecurity, lack of empathy, and cowardice, which he believes stems from the constant fear of being fired.
The filmmaker accused Netflix India of prioritizing subscription growth over supporting content that resonates with Indian audiences. He cited the example of the upcoming show “Sare Jahan Se Accha,” starring Prateek Gandhi, which was shot twice and had its directors changed. Kashyap questioned the platform’s commitment to showcasing authentic Indian stories, suggesting that they are more interested in expanding their subscriber base.
In conclusion, Kashyap confessed that the lack of innovation and courage at Netflix India leaves him disheartened, yet he remains hopeful that they will learn from their mistakes. He pointed to successful Indian Netflix series like “Delhi Crime” and “Black Warrant” as examples of what the platform can achieve when it supports daring storytelling. Additionally, he mentioned shows like “Kohra” or “Trial by Fire,” which he had initially doubted but ultimately proved to be successful.
